50:50 online is a `telematic` project, that is it is a live streamed event via the internet. The current platform is zoom.us.
There is a schedule for weekly events during Augsut 2020, so it follows the dates are
- August 5th
- August 12th
- August 19th
- August 26th
- Then its September, already
The zoom sessions are for participants and project associates and three audicence members
It is planned that during August 2020 the sessions maybe be open to the public as audience members, or open to online account the public need to register with.
The online sessions have been provoked by the current lockdown situation, but the thinking is that the online sessions will continue in a post coid-19 environment.
Please maintain good will in making this work: others are doing such things so there are good reasons to be positive. Such sessions will enable many people to participate who are unable to get to a specific geographical location. The project is exciting as it could allow improvisers from around the country to meet play together. Or even beyond! Feel the potential!
The Blank Canvas Octet is a project exploring free improvisation in music in a large ensemble context. It uses the ‘system 50:50` - where chess clocks are used to bring cohesion to the sound field which can often become cluttered. The result is a dynamic and shifting canvas of sound that allows small discreet sounds to be heard and deeper layers to be felt and expressed. An exciting project to participate in, to witness and to hear.
On system 50:50 “Definitely something with LOADS of possibilities - the reaction in the car driving back was unbelievably positive - no one could remember playing in a large ensemble that was so "open". The openness allowed me to play quietly, which meant the dynamics were incredible for an improvising large ensemble.” - Charlie Collins, improviser, Sheffield.
Another point of listening comes from Simon Ross, Macclesfield. `System 50/50 works well - it’s a really good way to get a group to play effectively without egos, virtuosity, and shyness getting in the way. It is democratic, inclusive, coherent, leaderless, focused, there is room to think and time to listen, choices. It is less competitive and more cooperative. Ends well.`
The Blank Canvas Octet during August 2020 will feature the following, more or less:
CLAYTON JACKSON, electronics and objects
NICK BRANTON, reeds
GEOFF BRIGHT, reeds
GILL WHITELEY, strings
HARVEY GIBBONS, guitar
LYN HODNETT, voice
SABINE KUSMAUL, guitar
MARTIN HACKETT, Korg Ms
PHIL MORTON, accidents and treatments
DAN GOREN, trumpet
PAUL MEDLEY. clarinet
CHRIS PARFITT, misc
Audience & ghosts
ROBIN HARTWELL
RUSS GRANT,
HOST ACCOUNT - improvisers online
The target is for twelve participants, so there are seats available for an improviser(s). If you are interested complete the form below, s'il vous plait
A series of Octets will be made from the set list. For example, were there to be twelve improvisers on the set list, four would sit out one set as a member of the audience and there would be three sets of improvised music. Everyone will play, but not necessarily in every set.
Event information: doors 19.00 - Concert/broadcast starts 19.30, weekly on a Wednesday during August.
A live streamed event via ZOOM online.
Currently this is a closed event, not public. We hope to go public in the near future.
Audience members need an invite in the form of a clickable link
There is not an admission fee of £2.00 for players and observers at present.
Interested? if you are interested in this project as an audience/listener or participant it helps to be included on the mailing list, please complete this form and we will be in touch
:id974